next story

Rihanna's Surprisingly Dark New Album, Unapologetic, Is Out Now. It's a Must-Listen.

It helps to at least have an awareness of Rihanna before diving into her seventh album in seven years (impressive!), Unapologetic. Consider her meteoric rise to superstar status, the fact that she's still incredibly young, that she fell in love with a fellow superstar in the public eye, the incident that by-and-large still leaves many of us sour with the other party who shall-not-be-named. (He appears on this album, by the way, on the frustratingly-carefree "Nobody's Business.")

In order to understand Rihanna's approach to Unapologetic, you have to relate a little bit to her, which might seem really effin' hard at first. We've all got our demons, so just remember that before you judge too harshly, and we've all made mistakes and been in love.

Lead single "Diamonds" is straightforward enough. But with the context I just mentioned, it takes on a new meaning and becomes Rihanna's thesis statement. Considering what she's been through, lines like, "I choose to be happy" possess a power that will make you want to always shine your brightest. Check out the gorgeous video below!

From there, the album seems split in half between ballads and "dance" tracks, which are all fraught with tension. I put dance in quotes because even the more uptempo fare feels cerebral, controlled, even. But NOT celebratory.

About those: Eminem assists on the aptly-titled "Numb." And "Pour It Up"'s formulaic ode to fame should be enthusiastic, right? Rihanna seems totally blinded by it, which would be exciting if she didn't sound thoroughly bored. Yet somehow, the effect is chilling.

The ballads ("Stay," "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary," "What Now") are all quite lovely, as Rihanna's stellar vocals and lyrics underscore a raw vulnerability yet to be found in her music. "What Now," my favorite track, is most effective. That song's constant musical shifts--from soft, but wordy piano lines in the verses to revved-up synth-rock in the chorus--are extremely powerful and provides a glimpse into Rihanna's fragmented mind: lyrics about laughing at her reflection in a two-sided mirror seem to conjure up the emotional struggles she faces alone.

The thing about Rihanna's refusal to apologize is that she might wind up isolating herself. But for all we know, that may be exactly what she needs. But I do know that she really wants to be loved. Regardless, I'm thankful that she made this album for us, whether we understand it or not.